Hi, what sort of garment would a woman typically wear for the baptism itself? And afterwards for chrismation? What would you wear if you are chrismated only? Links to garment pics, or videos of baptisms/chrismations (showing garments) would be great!

Have to start thinking about this as I'll be received into the Orthodox church soon, but don't know yet if it will be by baptism and chrismation, or chrismation only. I don't know if it's relevant, but my parish is Antiochian. Thanks.

Deborah

Logged

Live in South/East Auckland, Franklin or North Waikato regions of New Zealand? Interested in Orthodoxy? Need transport to an Orthodox Church? Want to meet others? Please send me a PM

"You have made us for yourself, Lord; and our hearts are restless until they rest in You" - St. Augustine (my patron saint)

I made a white near floor length skirt and wore a white shell with a white summer sweater over it. And I went barefoot. I was not baptized, only chrismated. White is traditional, but was told by my priest that it's traditional with a small t not a capital T, that if I couldn't find white, just wearing something nice would be fine.

I made a white near floor length skirt and wore a white shell with a white summer sweater over it. And I went barefoot. I was not baptized, only chrismated. White is traditional, but was told by my priest that it's traditional with a small t not a capital T, that if I couldn't find white, just wearing something nice would be fine.

Thanks quietmorning. Your outfit sounds lovely.

I have a style of white dress in mind that I'd like to wear for chrismation, but whether I can find something like it off the peg might be another matter. Still have to think of what to wear for baptism if that happens - something modest, but light that does not retain too much water.

Thanks again

Deborah

Logged

Live in South/East Auckland, Franklin or North Waikato regions of New Zealand? Interested in Orthodoxy? Need transport to an Orthodox Church? Want to meet others? Please send me a PM

"You have made us for yourself, Lord; and our hearts are restless until they rest in You" - St. Augustine (my patron saint)

While I certainly advocate the use of robes for a baptismal/chrismation service, or perhaps a dress in the case of women, these are "lower t" traditions, as was remarked here. Wear what is all at once comfortable, nice-looking and, preferably, a light color.

I did not have the luxury of a baptismal robe myself (and I was accepted into the Church by baptism). My priest's instructions were to come in something dark, and so I wore black pants with a very dark blue shirt and then change into light colors after the baptism, and so I changed into a white shirt with very light khakis. Of course, shoes were not worn since the neophyte stands in the water and is twice anointed with oil (once, if just being chrismated) and then has the chrism wiped off later, on several parts of the body, including the feet.

And, for the record, I don't know your background pre-Orthodoxy, but Antioch generally leans more towards economia when receiving Christians from other backgrounds. If you were baptized at some point in the name of the Trinity, chances are you will be chrismated only. That said, I can't know for sure, but I have quite a few friends in the Antiochian Archdiocese and I'm fairly familiar with their practices.

Logged

"Hades is not a place, no, but a state of the soul. It begins here on earth. Just so, paradise begins in the soul of a man here in the earthly life. Here we already have contact with the divine..." -St. John, Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Homily On the Sunday of Orthodoxy

I like the small "t" baptismal robes that you continue to wear for a time afterwards during Divine Liturgy. Same as the baptismal candles that you light and hold during the same, escorted by your sponsor each time that you approach the Holy Chalice. Indeed, as a cradle, I am somewhat jealous of my convert brothers and sisters, who start as enquirers (if I may analogize: start dating), become catechumens (become engaged) and finally become members of His Body (become married). I am happy and grateful that we pray and intercede for them at each stage and even after the pass on.

Thank you Benjamin and Carl I love the idea of candles, a new baptismal robe, etc, even if they are small 't' traditions. I'd prefer to stick with white, but will wear light colours if that's not possible. Will see what I can work out with my Godparents. It's been amazing how God has led this process thus far, and I wouldn't be surprised if He has a few more surprises in store

Speaking of baptisms, I have to share this video I found - it's a Russian Orthodox baptism and absolutely beautiful. I don't understand all that's taking place, the traditions and symbolism; but love the before-and-after baptism garments, the crowns and bouquets of flowers, procession of children in their costumes, the choir, the music - stunning There's something very simple and humble about the garment the adults are wearing before and immediately following baptism; and the gowns they wear afterwards are also simple in style, but something very majestic about them at the same time. Do these garments have a particular name, or have a particular style/features (like the red cross embroidered on the back)? Are they peculiar to the Russian tradition?

ThanksDeborah

« Last Edit: November 02, 2012, 05:22:15 PM by Deborah »

Logged

Live in South/East Auckland, Franklin or North Waikato regions of New Zealand? Interested in Orthodoxy? Need transport to an Orthodox Church? Want to meet others? Please send me a PM

"You have made us for yourself, Lord; and our hearts are restless until they rest in You" - St. Augustine (my patron saint)

My family and I were just baptized/chrismated on September 30th so I will share our recent experience.I was not baptized, just chrismated and I just wore what I would normally wear to Liturgy, except for being bare foot. My wife and sons were baptized and our Priest left it up to them what they wished to wear. They all wore swim attier with shorts and shirts over them. Our God Parents provided whit towels to them when they came out of the water. That was it. and it was awesome!!